Autonomous Systems: Autonomous Cryogenic Loading Operations (ACLO)

Multi-center team will develop and demonstrate new, state-of-the-art control architecture that enables next generation of health management techniques, intelligent devices and autonomous control technologies to perform autonomous control of a cryogenic propellant loading system.

The main objectives are to develop and integrate Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) tools and component technologies into a seamless health management architecture and to create an autonomous cryogenic loading capability. ACLO components will be developed for mission-relevant cryogenic platforms/environment (i.e., ground-based and micro-g in-space capability) and demonstrated against the KSC Cryogenic Test Facility's Simulated Propellant Loading System, a.k.a, the Cryogenic Testbed. The autonomous cryogenic loading capability and component technologies developed under the ACLO Project Element will be used to help mature concepts for variable levels of autonomy and will enable NASA to rapidly adapt to and support various launch concepts with multiple vehicle types in a multi-use launch pad or an in-space environment. The ACLO Project Element will continue to build on capabilities and concepts developed and/or demonstrated in FY13 under ACLO and previous ground autonomy and health management efforts: Systems Autonomy Demonstration Program: Knowledge-based Autonomous Test Engineer (KATE), which proved the feasibility of using high-fidelity physics models and simulations to enable integrated system health, status and control for autonomous tank loading operations Constellation pathfinder demonstrations and trade studies: Ares I-X Ground Diagnostic Prototype & Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery Architecture Prototype, which developed a certifiable configuration and approach for integrated health management for ground and launch operations AFRL Future Responsive Access to Space Technologies Program: Rapid Propellant Loading Project, which developed concepts for distributed launch operations and cryogenic loading operations using KATE and the Hybrid Diagnostic Engine